10 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! NATURE BEE Friendly DISCOUNT Kings Park Nursery will give you a 5% discount on any items showing the Bee Friendly logo when you show them this copy of the magazine before August 31 2023, (not to be used in conjunction with any other offers such as their loyalty card discount). Did you know that July 10th is National Don’t Step on a Bee Day? Hopefully nobody would want to step on them on any day. As well as being cute, flying around on summers days, they are essential to pretty much all the food we eat so deserve a lot of love. We thought we’d put together a bit of a Bee Appreciation feature this issue so we can go further than not just stepping on them this summer! Have a BEE Friendly Garden Nectar provides bees with the energy they need to fly so it’s a great support to them to find a garden filled with delicious flowers. Bee favourites in our garden are lavender, buddleia, sunflowers and catmint (catnip) but even dandelion flowers will help. Bee drinking station Honey bees need water just like other animals. Having a source of water in your garden is great but as they’re also prone to drowning it’s a good idea to place some pebbles or glass beads in water sources like bird baths to keep bees safe! Bee Hotels For those of you feeling creative we have a link to the RSPB instructions on how to build a Bee Hotel (fab idea for Father’s Day presents!) Or a link to a great selection if you’re not feeling that creative. Just make sure you position your hotel away from places where you eat in the garden. Bee Hospital If you find a bee that’s run out of steam on the pavement or somewhere where they can’t get to a flower, the RSPB suggests offering sugar water. You need to mix 2 spoons of sugar plus 1 spoon of warm water (not boiling but warm enough to dissolve the sugar). We have a Revive a Bee keyring which means you have a little vial of sugar syrup with you when you’re out and about for any bee emergencies. You can find them on the QR code Learn more about bees The Open Week at Lordington Lavender’s (nr Chichester) is one of our favourite events every year. Walk in their beautiful lavender fields watching the bees busy at work and definitely treat yourself to a lavender ice cream which is delicious. This year’s event takes place from Wednesday 12th-Sunday 16th July. lordingtonlavender.co.uk You can also find out more about lots of different creatures by exploring BIO:Space at Winchester Science Centre winchestersciencecentre.org EBKA And if you’re really interested in keeping bees, the East Dorset Beekeepers Association can help you with everything from equipment guides to training and taking on your first swarm! If you find a swarm in your garden and would like it removed or spot something you think is less friendly like an Asian Hornet, they are a great resource. www.edbka.org.uk Photo: Sandra Palmer-Snellin
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